(Washington, DC, – September 24, 2003)—Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen today joined fellow Democrats on the Select Committee on Homeland Security in a press conference to roll out legislation aimed at identifying the needs of first responders across the country.
 
Democrats unveiled the Preparing America to Respond Effectively Act of 2003 known as the PREPARE-ACT designed to enable first responders to prevent and respond effectively to a terrorist attack.

“Wherever we have gone in this country and heard from first responders, the complaints have been the same,” said Christensen.  “No direction or framework from the Department of Homeland Security, lack of flexibility in funding that does not allow them to meet real needs, and lack of communication between those on the ground and the various federal agencies.” Christensen said that in her meetings with first responders in the Virgin Islands, their complaints were much of the same.

She said The PREPARE-ACT establishes an expert Task Force to identify the needs of first responders and determine what resources they need to be prepared. It will:

• Determine the essential capabilities needed by first responders to protect our communities and base future funding on these priorities.
• Revise the color-coded threat advisory threat system.
• Provide interoperable communications equipment for first responders.
• Require equipment and training standards be established.

“No one knows the needs of the first responders better than the first responders themselves,” said Jim Turner, Ranking Member on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security Committee. “Under the PREPARE ACT, experts and those in the field will determine what is needed to protect American families.”